Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Analysis

This report provides a comprehensive overview of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease causing inflammation in the joints. The report discusses the causes, which are thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors, along with the symptoms, including joint pai...Read More

Rheumatoid arthritis summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long term, systemic, inflammatory autoimmune infection. The
immune system of the body considers the cells of the body as foreign and attacks them. White
blood cells are moved to the synovium which is the tissue that lines the inner part of the joints
and also produces a clear substance which lubricates the joints reducing the friction. This
substance is known as the synovial fluid. The synovium becomes thicker due to the
inflammatory process and this makes the joint swollen and painful. The cartilage can get
damaged if this is left unchecked. The cartilage is lost over time making the joint and bone
spacing smaller. This causes pain and disability if left for sometimes. Premature death may also
result.
In developed countries, 0.5% - 1% of the adult population are affected by RA. RA occurs more
frequently with advancing age and the females are more commonly affected as compared to
males. The exact cause of RA has not been found however, genetic factors together with
environmental factors have been considered to have a role in this. These risk factors include; the
place of birth, socioeconomic status, smoking, and even the breastfeeding length.
The common joints affected by RA include the joints of the hands, feet, knees, wrists, ankles,
and elbows. The clinical manifestations include inflammation which makes the joints painful,
stiff and swollen. Individuals also get fatigue, lack appetite and fever. There is also a limited
range of motion which may lead to a permanent deformity of the fingers, limbs, and toes.
The diagnosis of RA majorly relies on the clinical evaluation of the swelling around the joints.
Pain and limited movement in most cases make it hard for recognition of these individuals in
early stages and hence may not benefit from early treatment. Research done has portrayed that
the autoantibodies rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) can
show up for up to decades before synovial or radiographic involvement becomes apparent. Blood
test may also be used in diagnosis. Blood tests will identify the biomarkers like, antibodies which
are associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It may also measure the levels of inflammation. In
addition, ultrasound or X-ray and even magnetic resonance imaging scan can be used in making
diagnosis since it will show the extent of damage in the joint and any other abnormalities
occurring there.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment may begin with the Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
(DMARDs) which are been found to reduce the progression of this disease. This may also aid in
preventing complications like extra-articular complications and joint deformities. Other drugs
include NSAIDs, intra-articular steroid injections, occupation, and physical therapies. This may
involve the use of assistive devices and involvement of therapeutic exercise. In other cases,
surgery is involved. For example, in the treatment of deformities, synovectomy or even joint
replacement surgery.
In conclusion, early and effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis will greatly help in preventing
and slowing the progression of the disease. This will also prevent the complications which may
arise as a result of the infections and therefore leading to a better and comfortable life for the
individuals.
Source: VanMeter, K.C. and Hubert, R.J. (2014). Gould's Pathophysiology for the Health
Professions. 5th Edition, Elsevier/Saunders